- Page :
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next »
Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster (Switch)
Final Fantasy X was a watershed moment for the storied franchise, rightfully gaining widespread acclaim while also ushering the series into the new generation, and while Final Fantasy X-2 hasn’t quite reached the same level of influence, it stands as a fantastic adventure in its own right with a level of quality that surpasses most of the competition in the Switch library. Having both of these incredible games in one package, with all the international content thrown in, and with prettied up graphics and audio makes picking up this release a no-brainer. Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster successfully does justice to these two RPG classics as it brings them to a new age of players; we can’t recommend it highly enough.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Switch)
Designated a mainline entry in the series by Game Freak itself, Pokémon Legends: Arceus feels like the result of the developers learning lessons for 25 years, refining the formula, and finally taking the franchise in a new, incredibly exciting direction. Technically it may stumble in places, but with an emphasis on extremely rewarding exploration, addictive catching mechanics, a fine roster of Pokémon and a genuine sense of scale that’s unlike anything in the series, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is up there with the greatest Pokémon games ever made in our book.
If you're looking for a more traditional Pokémon experience, then Pokémon Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet change the series' mainline formula in new and interesting ways, while Let's Go! Pikachu & Let's Go! Eevee is more beginner-friendly,
Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Editions (Switch)
Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Editions aren't magical ground-up reworkings or spectacular remasters; these are games that are showing their age in many ways and there’s no doubt that some of the more recent tributes to the glory days of the Infinity Engine – games such as Divinity: Original Sin 2 or Pillars of Eternity – are, in many ways, more readily accessible and appealing to modern audiences. However, these are still classics of the genre that are absolutely worth persisting with. Once you get to grips with some of their more antiquated ways you’ll be handsomely rewarded with some of the deepest combat, best writing, voice-acting and characters you’re likely to find in the genre.
A special mention should also go to Planescape: Torment & Icewind Dale Enhanced Edition, another strong showing from Beamdog that sees a real odd couple of classics in the best shape they've maybe ever been, coupled with a control system designed for consoles that makes them as effortless to play on the move as they are sat at a keyboard and mouse. Together, these two make for a pretty essential addition to your Switch's RPG library if you can't get enough of Infinity Engine classics on Switch.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (Switch)
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is an experience unlike any other on the Switch, expertly blending standard RPG tropes with a heartwarming story, innovative art style, and an immersive soundtrack composed by some of the best in the business. In more ways than one, this is a ‘dream project’ that’s very existence is a gift to fans of the genre the world over. That said, it also notably falls short of being an undisputed masterpiece, as pacing issues and shoddy AI drag down an otherwise pitch-perfect experience. Those issues aside, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch still proves to be lightyears ahead of many other RPGs. If you consider yourself a fan of the genre – or even if you’re just looking to get your feet wet – you owe it to yourself to give Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch a shot.
Don't forget about the magnificent sequel, Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom either. With an action-based combat system and city-building mechanics, it builds on what made its predecessor so charming while making improvements in all the right places.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Switch)
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a great example of what developers should aspire to do with remastering old games; this is the best-designed and most enjoyable version of this RPG classic currently on the market, and it can all be played on the go, too. Though the story comes off as being rather disappointing and the visuals are a little dated, the Gambit-focused combat system still proves to be one of the best we’ve seen in an RPG to date, making it dangerously easy for hours to slip by as you work on min-maxing characters to the best of their abilities. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age may not prove to be the best Final Fantasy ever made, but it’s still a pretty darned great game in its own right.
Persona 5 Royal (Switch)
For JRPG fans, Persona 5 Royal is the very definition of ‘required reading'. A deep and moving story, stylish presentation, amazing soundtrack, and decision-driven gameplay all combine to make for an unforgettable and exceptional experience that proves itself to be every bit deserving of the hype and praise it’s already received on other consoles. While those who have played this elsewhere may want to consider whether Switch's portability is enough of a selling point to justify paying full price to double dip, it suits it perfectly. Persona 5 Royal is still a game that we absolutely recommend you pick up as soon as you can. This easily stands as one of the very best RPGs of the last decade and you’d be doing yourself a disservice to miss out.
Live A Live (Switch)
Live A Live has been well worth the long wait. This remake reintroduces an influential, unique JRPG to the wider world with aplomb, with a cacophony of different gameplay styles, music, and visuals that somehow hang together beautifully. Despite looking like Octopath Traveler and perfecting the HD-2D visual style, you'd do well to remember that this is still a Super Famicom RPG, with many of the frustrations that come with ‘90s RPGs still intact. Still, we admire that Square Enix decided not to change too much here, instead delivering an authentic and faithful update to the game that the majority of players outside Japan missed nearly three decades ago. This is a piece of gaming history we have loved getting to experience for the first time.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition (Switch)
While Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition doesn’t make any major changes to the original game, it does combine practically every piece of exclusive content into one wholesome package. With the benefit of some improved visuals in both cutscenes and gameplay, it’s very difficult to recommend this JRPG classic on any other system than Nintendo Switch thanks to how well it performs in both docked and handheld modes. If you’ve missed out on this classic, there’s never been a better way to rectify that error.
The Alliance Alive HD Remastered (Switch)
Nearly two years on from its initial release, The Alliance Alive HD Remastered proves to be a perfectly competent port of an already fantastic handheld game. A well-written story, a smartly interwoven and complex system of gameplay mechanics, and a distinctive visual style makes this a no-brainer for anybody looking for a consistently high-quality RPG experience on their Switch. It may feel a little simple, given its origins on the 3DS, but don’t make the mistake of passing up on The Alliance Alive HD Remastered, it’s well worth your time.
Rune Factory 4 Special (Switch)
There’s something here for everyone in Rune Factory 4 Special, but its greatest strength is how it ties together everything into one thoroughly enjoyable package. Varied gameplay, strong writing, and an emphasis on progressing at your own pace make this one of the best farm sim games available on the Switch to date. We’d give this one a high recommendation to anyone looking for an engaging yet undemanding game for their Switch. the new features do little to justify the cost of entry for those who have already played it on the 3DS, but on Switch Rune Factory 4 Special proves itself to be a modern classic that melds farming and combat into a beautiful RPG experience.
Rune Factory fans should also seek out Rune Factory 3 Special, which isn't quite as brilliant as its successor, but it set the standard for the series going forward and is a lovely experience all the same.
Moero Crystal H (Switch eShop)
Moero Crystal H is a saucy dungeon crawler that parents should note is most definitely not one for the kids! It is, however, an outstanding dungeon crawler that combines the light-hearted, sexy, character-centric comedy of harem anime with deep combat and progression mechanics, plus a healthy dose of dating sim for good measure.
Unlike other games in the genre, it respects the player’s time with quality-of-life features such as adjustable speed controls for both combat and exploration as well as a helpful autopilot mode – though it would have been nice to also see an option to save and recall party lineups and load-outs. It’s beautifully presented, too, with delightful animated Live2D characters, gorgeous (if infrequent) event images and incredibly catchy music. Most importantly, though, it plays well – and provides enough content in both its main story and endgame to keep even the most avid RPG fan busy for hundreds of hours.
Bravely Default II (Switch)
As if it was ever in doubt, Square Enix has demonstrated once again that it understands exactly what ingredients are necessary to make a great RPG. The interesting, risk-based combat is supported by a diverse class system and a well-told story, which all combine to make for an experience that can be tough to put down. That said, one can’t help but feel a consistent sense of ‘been there, done that’ with Bravely Default II; Square certainly could’ve pushed the envelope just a little more with this entry. That aside, you really can’t go wrong with Bravely Default II. This is a well-crafted and expertly-made RPG that is easily worth your time and money; we’d highly recommend that fans and newcomers alike look into picking this up.
Collection of Mana (Switch)
What you've got here are two of the finest examples of the genre, accompanied by a third likeable entry which is also well worth a look. When you consider how many titles Konami is packing into its Anniversary Collection packages – and that their retail price is almost half what Square Enix is demanding for the three games included here – it's impossible to not question the value of Collection of Mana. However, there's no denying the fact that Secret of Mana is one of the finest console RPGs of all time, and even though it's readily available elsewhere, playing it on Switch is like wrapping yourself up in a warm and familiar blanket; it's just right somehow. We could argue that Secret of Mana is merely the appetiser for the real star of this collection: Trials of Mana. It's nothing short of a masterpiece and finally getting the chance to play it officially in English is a landmark moment for SNES and RPG fans alike.
If you like this, you can also pick up the Trials of Mana remake for Switch too, which is a successful revival of a once-lost classic, smartly infusing new design and content where necessary while still maintaining the spirit of the original.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (Switch eShop)
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an absolute triumph. The narrative and dialogue, which is already wonderfully compelling on its own, has been given a massive boost thanks to the excellent voice acting introduced for the Final Cut. The gameplay features a host of branching paths for you to explore, and while the slow, methodical approach may turn a few people off, this is nevertheless one of the most well-told stories in any medium from the last few years. The performance issues at the time of our review slightly took the shine off things — and we hope they're ironed out soon via updates — but even with them present, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut stands as one of the best RPGs available on Switch.
- Page :
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next »
Comments 190
The only real Zelda is Ocarina Of Time!
Sorry mate, the best Zelda (maybe best game ever) is Breath of the Wild.
I’m kinda surprised YIIK is on this list, considering how many things I’ve heard about people hating that game. I guess somebody at Nintendo Life likes it, which, good for them.
I’m also surprised Final Fantasy IX is the only FF on this list. IX is great, but I’d argue that it’s the weakest of the four FF games on the Switch. I’m playing through XII for the first time, and oh my goodness, that game is every bit as good as people have been telling me for the past 13 years. I’m very surprised it’s not on this list.
Interesting list, I own quite some of them. Think Diablo III (campaign) fullfills my RPG wants the most though. I love the levelling and gearing, and the seasons keep it replayable.
Great stuff!
Skyrim, Ys VIII, Dark Souls, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, Dragon Quest Builders, Disgaea, etc. The rpg genre is already pretty deep on Switch and it's only going get deeper now that Switch is #1 in Japan.
Disgaea 5, a beautiful game, is kinda of an RPG in my opinion and I greatly advice anyone that likes turn based strategy rpg to try it out.
@Cissero I really couldn't get on with Diablo. I put about 12 hours into it but it was just so easy. I had it on the hardest setting that you can choose initially, and I don't think I died once. I was playing a wizard and there is an energy beam attack which is so overpowered that I never used a single other attack. All I had to do was walk around holding down a single button while doing a bit of mana management. I really don't get the love for it. I sold it and bought Civ 5 though so I'm not too fussed
I love that Golf Story is on here! That is a hilarious game but it also is a little challenging with mechanics and strategy.
If I can ever get rid of my backlog, I want to play Octopath!
@jcvandan Nice yeah Diablo isn't for everyone. The game turns different at max level though, but it's mostly just a gear grind at that point haha. I do enjoy it as I can do it solo and get my competetiveness from the leaderboards. The beam will not feel that overpowered anymore then haha. Still good that you tried and build your own opinion Civ 5 is a great game too!
Surprised at the lack of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and FF7
"Unless you’ve not got a humorous bone in your body." I've got a humerus bone in my body. It's connected to my shoulder..
Stardew valley? ,dark souls?, mario + rabbids, ff 7,10,12 , and cosmic star heroine are much better picks than some of the other games on the list
Dragon's Dogma is missing! ...imho
For me its up there with skyrim and dragon age
No more FFs, really?? Not even VII, considered as one of the best games ever made? And what about Ys VIII? And Dragon's Dogma?
I don't know, I would change several indie games from the list for these ones in a heartbeat... But this is not my list, of course.
Anyway, regarding the new ones (no ports), I can't recommend Xenoblade 2 enough, along with its expansion. In my top 3 of Switch games (just after Zelda and Smash).
@Ryan_Again ok, I'll cut you a deal: if you can find an underwater temple in BOTW, or a well that you can go down and fight zombies, I'll admit that BOTW is as good as OOT.
Not sure how many of these really qualify as RPGs.
Found myself disappointed by Octopath which is a shame because I wanted to love it. And the art style and music can't be faulted to be fair to it... but the story was severely lacking or engaging.
@AndreaF96 It's a strategy game, not an RPG.
I am Setsuna over Lost Sphear for sure my god!
"I’m kinda surprised YIIK is on this list, considering how many things I’ve heard about people hating that game."
@LunarFlame17 The game sure is bad (too pretentious), but stop listening those Resetera dumba***s.
@Crono1973 It is a SRPG though.
Disgaea 5 have more "RPG" than Diablo III.
@the_beaver How they can coun't Yiik but not FFVII or XII is beyond me. IX isn't as good as either of them.
@Tirza Agreed but it is a strategy RPG. I think it's important to separate RPG's like mainline Final Fantasy games with games like Final Fantasy Tactics. People looking for a Final Fantasy type RPG probably aren't interested in an SRPG.
@aznable FF9 benefits from hype.
@the_beaver Oh man, I forgot about Ys VIII! That game definitely deserves to be on this list. And why aren’t there more Falcom games on Switch?
@Tirza Huh? I don’t even go to ResetEra...
@Crono1973 they are Tactical RPGs considered RPGs at their core. That’s where people look for them. And unless they are making separate list for strategy/tactical RPGs, which I doubt. It does harm to separate them because no one would find them. They are smaller subset of RPGs. Where would you put them?
@Crono1973 Really? Even when it came out back when I was never hyped about it. I recall first seeing it and thinking "Well that's a regression."
West of Loathing and Darkest Dungeon, but no Dark Souls.
@aznable Yes, it didn't do too well in 200 but since then many people have decided it's the best FF. It's not.
Steamworld Quest is incredible. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’m enjoying it thoroughly.
Dragon's Dogma should be on this list.
Definitely would've put YS VIII on this list; it's a bit cookie cutter, but it pulls everything together really well. Also, I'd put FFX (and maybe XII) over FFIX
LOLWUT
Yeah, how about Skyrim, Disgaea 5, FF7, FF12, and World of FF.
The World Ends With You is overrated obtuse garbage. The gameplay was no fun, I just ended up tapping the screen and the same button over and over again, and the story is headache inducing.
@Crono1973 I agree, but this site doesn't even know the difference between a roguelike and a roguelite.
I, for example, love roguelikes but dislike roguelites. Some people think that only because a game have procedural generation, it is a roguelike. It is not.
I’m absolutely livid that Dragon’s Dogma is not on this list.
Ys VIII Lacrimosa of Dana.
As usual, Nintendo Life list that both confounds and disappoints.
@N64-ROX Heheh, I can follow your logic and respect your criteria. But likewise, if you can show me a hang glider or ability to climb just about any wall in OoT then I guess you win. 😁
@Crono1973 it is kinda an rpg game because it has deep leveling system for characters, weapons, skills, etc. This is my opinion.
@AndreaF96 Yes, it's a strategy RPG.
@Crono1973 exactly, it's inside the intersection of the set of RPGs and the set of strategy games. At least that's how I see it.
@N64-ROX epic bait
Hello everybody! We've updated the list to reflect some new releases, including the deluge of FFs. All these lists will evolve over time and get updated periodically.
As for any obvious action-RPG absences, we're well aware As outlined in the introduction, this genre in particular is a nightmare of stratas, substratas, etc. The above selection focuses on RPGs with more traditional mechanics, but it could obviously be further subdivided. Watch this space for further (d)evolution
Amazing how many on this list are not RPGs
No Kemco games???? /s
Oh good, they added the rest of the Final Fantasies.
Still no Disgaea but we have freaking Yiik.
Yikes man.
I've just sold Octopath Traveller along with a couple of other games to make way for the upcoming realease schedule. I thought to myself, you're never going to have time to play though that again, but I've already got sellers regret. Darn!
As much as every compilation like this is bound to be very subjective, I am really glade Atelier Lulua made it onto the list! That is, indeed, one of the best Atelier games, which are really different from other RPGs.
A good chunk of this list will be largely responsible as to why my Switch backlog, when I do FINALLY get one, will be insane. I'm a sucker for a good RPG.
the lack of Skyrim is puzzling to me.
@Mando44646 yes, the Skyrim port is awesome. Something that cannot be said of Child of Light: Every other version (Windows, PS3/4/Vita, 360, One, WiiU) runs better than the botched Switch port.
once Ni No Kuni is out for me it will be the best RPG on the Switch
As an RPG fan/player im always with the story, battle style, character, skills and Im always relieved whenever Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is on the list or gets recognized! The game and most specially the story is really massive and superb for me! Best RPG game for me next to FFIX (which was my childhood game)! Im currently playing the Tales of Vesperia and im also hooked.
@LunarFlame17 it's FFiiv that's on the list not ix
@Dirty0814 They’ve updated the list since I wrote that comment. Every Final Fantasy on the Switch is on the list now, which is as it should be.
No Ys VIII or Setsuna (if Sphear’s here, than so should ‘I’...); then Neptunia, Steamworld Quest, Romancing SaGa 2, Cosmic Star and Deltarune (again, if Under’s here, then so should D:c1).
Also, ditto @many: RPGs, in this freaky mind, are turn-based affairs only. Got a grid while alternating turns of action.? You’re strategy, a separate category, again, in my twisted perception.
Bonus ditto @many: at release, both Earthlock and YIIK were generally panned. What gives? Was everyone, including reviewers found on this site, wrong? Hmm..
The absence of Ys VIII is shameful. Especially when plagiarized tripe like YIIK has a presence on the list.
Darkest Dungeon was great
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is still number 1 for me love the game it death
@LunarFlame17 VII and XII are both on the list?
@pattybean They weren’t when I wrote that comment. NL updates this list periodically.
@LunarFlame17 I see. Apologies.
curse my lack of money & time
Yep. If you like RPGs you need a multi-console home.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna is a great standalone grab for the lower price. It basically refined all the systems of the original but also streamlined them.
More importantly it took about 40 hours to complete vs the almost 100 hours to finish the main game for me, which was much more manageable for my available free time.
i actualy want to know wich, one has a great story. i dont care if it have dlc or is massive or look beautiful.
story is what counts in a jrpg or rpg
@PALversusNTSC Pillars of Eternity is really rich. Dragons Dogma is also good, tho might feel a bit slow at first.
Skyrim
Ys
Diablo III
Witcher 3 ?
So glad Fire Emblem: Three Houses was left off this list. Worst RPG to come out in a long time.
No Dragon Quest Builders 2 (or 1)???
No Skyrim??
No Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate?
No Dark Souls Remastered?
No Disgaea 5 Complete or Disgaea 1 Complete? (Disgaea 4 Complete+ is coming soon)
No Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana?
No I am Setsuna?
No Dragon's Dogma?
No Fire Emblem: Three Houses?
No Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch?
Is Battle Chasers Nightwar really that much better?
@Patron As a strategy RPG, it wasn't eligible for the list. If it were eligible, I'm sure it would have ranked - considering it's one of the best SRPGs to come around in a long time.
@DockEllisD Kemco: soulless husks marauding as games.
@Marshmallow Agree 100% I adored I Am Setsuna and couldn't even finish Lost Sphere.
@LunarFlame17 It is on the list
Added the Baldur's Gate collection, Planescape/Icewind Dale and Ni no Kuni
Battle Chasers and Undertale made the list, but not Witcher 3, Fire Emblem, Dark Souls, Skyrim, any of the Disgaea games, Dragon's Dogma, or Ys 8? Really?
Ys: VIII? Really?
Lol this list is pretty ehhh. Outside of Xenoblade chronicles I'd rather play any of them on either PC or PS4.
Added The Alliance Alive HD Remastered
Child of Light got a physical release in France, bundled with Valiant Hearts: The Great War on one cartridge.
Seeing no Dragon's Dogma here tells me the author has no damn idea he's talking about.
@AcesCharles think again: Divinity: Original Sin II in the go.
@AcesCharles Lol this list is pretty ehhh. Outside of Xenoblade chronicles I'd rather play any of them on either PC or PS4.
Typical of Trolls. Try taking the PC/PS4 outside of your house to the park or transits and you see how poor this statement is.
@Gwynbleidd we do recall the article did mention Switch console format. Witcher 3 just came out and probably wasn't in the running phase here.
Why the hell would I play video games at the park? Plenty of other things to do. Transits, I'll grant. Honestly though I'm ok with waiting until I get home to play so in that case either PC or ps4 beat the switch versions by a landslide.
@LunarFlame17 Completely agree with everything you said about FF series. 12 is probably my second or third favorite of the entire series and 9 has always been a bit bewildering to me, if I'm to be completely honest. People praise it for capturing classic FF while simultaneously modernizing to the PS1 era of games but I always felt it missed the mark on both counts. To top it all off the game CHUGS, even with the added ability to speed up combat the game still feels slow and there are moments in battle where the game seemingly has no idea what to do or who's turn it is and then just chooses who goes next at random after thinking about it critically for 10-15 seconds or about 5 seconds if you are fast-forwarding the thing.
Why Xenoblade 2 and Diablo 3 are in both list, here and in Action RPGs?? That makes these articles very confusing...
I would create just one list for all of them, and the games that can't be considered RPGs (like Hyrule Warriors or Fire Emblem Warriors) or are nit good enough (Lost Sphear, some indies) just kick them out. It'd be much more useful.
@LunarFlame17 there are three pages on the list and FF X/X-II and XII are in the list.
Surprised Pillars is on the list. I ended up getting a refund last month because even after about half a year of patches the game still had issues for me.
Just a reminder: Ubisoft is giving away Child Of Light for PC on Uplay starting March 24th.
1) Breath of the Wild
2) Dragon's Dogma
3) The Witcher III
4) Skyrim
5) Dragon Quest XI
6) Assassin's Creed: Black Flag
7) Assassin's Creed: Rogue
8) Ashen
plus two predictions:
9) Gods and Monsters
10) Genshin Impact
@KBuckley27
I enjoyed everything about Ni No Kuni apart from the combat which is neither action-based nor turn-based. I prefer to have full control over my character(s)' actions in battle. That's the secret to Zelda (action RPGs) and Dragon Quest (turn-based RPGs).
@NintendoLife: Collection of Mana is there twice...page 2, and 3
Skyrim?
The Witcher 3?
Dark Souls?
YS III?
@gavin - terrible list. And your reasons for not including them are plain stupid.
Wanna go for balance and 90% of this list is JRPGs. Nice balance.
@jipiboily yeah because they wanted to exclude the best RPGs, so to pad out the list you'll need to double up on the sub par ones.
Perfectly makes sense.
Baldur’s gate 2 is my all time favorite but I play it on pc mostly, don’t fit the consoles too good IMO.
I am just now finishing up Trials of Mana for the first time (one elemental boss and then the big bad to go). I had already finished DQXI and I was surprised how much DQXI used similar game play things that are in Trials of Mana. It almost felt like I was playing DQXI at times. Still good though.
Added XC:DE and removed the rogue Collection of Mana dupe. I mean, I know it's good but two entries is pushing it
"Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has a huge standalone DLC, Torna: The Golden Country, that's also well worth playing through. It serves as a prequel to the events of 2, so you can play it before or after."
Least accurate, worst thing I've read on this site in a while. Being a prequel absolutely doesn't mean you can play it before or after. There's no fathomable reason you should or would play it before Xenoblade 2. And if you did, it would ruin about 80% of the game's plot in a matter of hours. A lot of it in a matter of minutes. It 100% assumes you know the story of Xenoblade 2 already. And in fact, it was originally meant to be backstory revealed late in the game before the end, but they fleshed it out enough that it deserved a full game, essentially.
@TheWingedAvenger Zelda isn't an action RPG.
@Deltath
All the main-series Zelda games are action RPGs. When you play, you feel like you are the main character, and that's because the games have all the characteristics of true RPGs: a world to explore at your leisure, combat, character growth, and a story that is not written by a writer but created by you and the actions that you decide to take.
Not only are Zelda games action RPGs, they are among the very few action RPGs in existence. The "Tales Of" games aren't RPGs, because too often you don't decide what you do: the combat plays itself, since you have a bunch of hangers-on that you don't control. Star Ocean is similar. Apart from Zelda, the only true action RPGs that come to mind are Zelda clones such as Golden Axe Warrior, Neutopia and Sylvan Tale.
@TheWingedAvenger Feeling like the character and deciding what you do aren't elements that are related to the VIDEO game genre called RPG. The silly concept that because it has "roleplaying" in the name it means any game where you play a role is something a lot of people argue (and it seems like you're doing that now), but the level to which you're invested in being a particular character is genreless. There are tons of games of every genre where you make tons of decisions and get deeply entrenched as a particular character. That doesn't mean a first person shooter or a life sim or a puzzle platformer are suddenly RPGs because they have those elements.
From a gameplay perspective, there are a number of particular attributes that have become universally accepted to be part of the RPG genre and nothing you mentioned is it. The Tales games are absolutely RPGs and the Zelda games are not. It doesn't make them better games, it just makes them RPGs. FYI, if you think Tales plays itself, you've either barely ever played Tales or you've played on too easy a difficulty. Some of the Tales games have the most blindingly challenging action RPG combat of any games out there. And they make great co-op.
This idea that only a few games are "true action RPGs" is something you've created in your own head. Not a reality.
The two most overlooked games in the last three console generations are Alliance Alive Both HD and DS ver. as well as Nostalgia for the DS. The former had great graphics even on the DS version. They both appear generic and are in fact unique as those style games go.
I would love to know why gaming companies don't hire professional scriptwriters/authors such as oh I don't know, just look at the top ten in sci-fi writers (Steven King or whoever but sci-fi) and take a pick.. have them write the story, dialog and create to game around that, once the general concept is created of course... I would LOVE to see THAT sell!
i can get behind that list Octopath and the mana games were all pretty fun, Xenoblade was amazing as well as FF9 which i never played before. I really want to try Ni no kuni and Alliance alive next
@SyFyTy I am not sure how good you can compare those two. First of all: There is more to a game than story, there are also mechanics, which are usually more the focus of many games and even setting, atmosphere, music and direction of it all. Also there have been attempts at putting proffesional novel authors behind a games story like in Fire emblem fates and the story was hated a lot. Big authors like Steven King of course would also need to want to participate and they might need to adapt to suddenly writing an rpg story, along with several constrictions for the age rating. There are still some good stories in games every now and then and there can just be good directors as well like yoko taro(Nier Automata). Finally, the market for good stories is not that high actually, most people wanna have a good time after all
I'm starting to fear RPGs don't do it for me anymore like they used to. Got Xenoblade DE on launch, and...just no. Didn't like it. I stopped playing when Riki joined the party. I couldn't deal with that annoying speaking beast.
For me (Completed All)
1. Divinity Original Sin 2
2. Witcher 3
3. Skyrim
4. Xenoblade Chronicles 1
5. Ni No Kuni
I think Dragon Quest XI deserves to be high ranked but it was so dull to me. Unpopular opinion but it felt cook cutter. Gorgeous art though.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel all day long
So garbage YIIK gets an entry here but not Tangledeep. Big oof. PSA: YIIK is one of the worst games on the Switch, it's abysmal.
Added Moero Crystal H.
@Bork yeah, it’s still a bloody mess. I ended up having to start over on my PC as I crashed every time I went to jump in the Burial Isle pit on the Switch.
Dragon Quest XI, Octopath Traveler and Ni no Kuni are all must-plays. One day I'll finally get around to Xenoblade(s), Atelier(s) and The World Ends With You... One day.
@Ryan_Again baby’s first open world game isn’t the best Zelda game, let alone the best game ever.
How is Bayonetta not included in this crap list?
I would add Dodgeball Academia, but nobody else would. Why am I the only person that really likes it?
Late to the best Zelda discussion but Wind Waker exists.
Also, Zelda games aren't really RPGs, are they? More like action adventure games.
A great list nonetheless
@OctoAmbush
Yo !
I have ever played Dodgeball Academia on PS4.
I think Dodgeball Academia was unique in term of gameplay but the most satisfying was you can adjust the damage input & output from the Options.
If you set damage taken by 0% and damage deal on opponent by 100%, you were literally became a God, 0 damage on you and 100% damage on opponents, even the Final Boss will give you 0 damage by that adjustment. 😁
Why are there Pokemon Let's Go and SwSh on the list and not the imo way better Legends Arceus and SV?
Great list! As a personal touch I would like to add Atelier Sophie which complements this list like a cute red ribbon on a neatly tied braid
@Ryan_Again Maybe if you are not a fan of the original formula.
For most people who grew up playing Zelda games BoTW was kind of a slap in the face...
I see the term JRPG gets used really loosely now.
@Johnvlachos I grew up playing Zelda games (starting with the original on NES), and Breath of the Wild is still easily the best Zelda game hands down. This is despite the lack of varied, interesting dungeons though. Hopefully Tears of the Kingdom will fix that particular issue.
You updated this to add Octopath Traveler II which you've played an advance copy of but isn't released to the public yet. You taunt us!
>YIIK: A Postmodern RPG on the list
WTF?
Seriously, WTF!?
You could have included SMT nocturne, Chrono cross, Valkyria chronicles 1, Grandia HD Collection, Tokyo Mirage Sessions, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA, Labyrinth of Refrain, .hack//G.U. Last Recode or Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. But you decided to include f*cking YIIK instead!
I would recommend Victor Vran and Labyrinth of Refrain, both amazing games, though the first would probably fit the "action rpg" cathegory better. Cat's Quest is also a great recommendation you might easily overlook. On the list but definitely underappreciated: West of Loathing. That game is hilarious.
I recently ordered another first person dungeon crawler, because I love Labyrinth of Refrain, and will wait for the sequel to drop in price a bit, and that is Undernauts Labyrinth of Yomi. I really love that specific sub genre, and am glad that Etrian Odyssey will not die with the 3ds now that it's getting the first three remade on Switch.
Lol Earthlock…
Might be time to trim the fat on this one. At the very least, I'd get rid of the Let's Go games and Earthlock. Maybe more controversially, I'd probably toss Child of Light, Golf Story, Dragon Quest XI, Ni no Kuni, and swap Lost Sphear with its predecessor. Xenoblade 2 being first on the list also bugs me. Not that it isn't worth playing, but it's the last one I'd recommend to someone looking to try the series, including Torna. I guess you'd have to change how the whole thing is ordered to fix that, though.
Eastward was pretty good and different!
@LunarFlame17 ff7 is clearly on the list, 6th game listed.
@N64-ROX that's a.....different opinion...
@the_beaver 7 is on the list, what are you talking about?
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
Removed - flaming/arguing
@Travelguy38 I wrote that because Earthlock is a fairly average game with average reviews. I would expect a website like Nintendolife if they’re writing about the best RPGs, it is actually the best RPGs and not just pages of random RPGs. Look at the title, supposed to be ‘best’.
Also - are you seriously just sat there responding to each and every comment on here? It’s Sunday man, it’s the weekend! Go play some games instead of just writing angry, volatile replies to people!
@Travelguy38 The comments would be a bit boring if everyone just responded with "Wow, great list! Can't wait for the next one!" Since these primarily exist as guides for anyone looking to find more games to play in a particular genre, if I see something that I think is a bad recommendation, or notice a game that I think highly of is missing, I'm going to say so, and maybe someone else who reads my comment will be better off for it.
@BeefSanta what kemco rpg should be added and why?
@Fuecoco I'm not angry, what makes you assume that? I'm on vacation chilling after a week of exploring and once my gf Wakes up who is sleeping in we go out and explore. Not sure why a comment to the contrary automatically makes you jump to the conclusion of angry, interesting leap in logic. I'm here to look for a good game on the plane ride back later tonight as well as helpful user comments supporting or not supporting a game.
@Travelguy38 Mate, read some of your responses. You are quite angry. Bad vacation was it? It must be if you’re spending your last few hours writing comment after comment on a Nintendolife post that says ‘best RPGs’ which is just a list of some of the RPGs.
@Travelguy38 Literally every single comment you have made is you trying to pick arguments with someone’s post.
There is no vacation or GF is there? Just an angry troll who is bored on a Sunday morning.
@Travelguy38 Oh good, this is still happening. deep sigh Okay, so the comments on this article are from every version of this article that NintendoLife has ever done. They did the first version of this article right after FFVII came out and somehow didn't include it. So I commented on that fact, and then they added FFVII, but my comment is still there, so people tell me all the time a fact I already know, which is that FFVII is on this list.
As this list keeps growing, and there were many left OFF of this list even now, I think the Switch is set up as any RPG lovers dream system to take these big adventures in their pockets anywhere they want to go. The RPG scene on Switch is just massive!
A lot of Final Fantasy games are listed, but not 8, which, imho, is better than any of the other FF here. A shame.
I get it, everyone has the favorite games, and lists like this are subjective so I’m really not complaining. The list really shows us how strong of an rpg lineup we have on Switch. This is awesome, as we haven’t had times like this since the SNES days! (And even some of those are available with NSO!)
I have 6 of these, and I want 21 of them. I need a lot more money and time.😂
The Switch is probably one of the best consoles ever for jRPG's. It's just seriously lacking in other major genres, like racing and fighting games.
@Sparrowhawk I wouldn't personally say is seriously lacking there, it could be better since some AAA games on the last few years have avoided the console, but between older games (and with older that include games from the PS3 gen), indies and some new stuff that did release for it there is more than enough from those 2 genres, like 20 times more than the Wii U, 3DS or Wii.
Here I thought I’d only see three titles. Xenoblade, Pokémon and Zelda. In all honesty I’ve put more time in on Valkyria Chronicles (1,2 and 4), Dragons Dogma, Golf/Sports Story and Skyrim. Honorable mentions in Hellpoint and yes, Dodgeball Academia.
What happened to all the SRPG's ? Valkyria Chronicles is listed , but no Fire Emblem Engage etc
Hey guys, I know it's much more efficient to update and repost but you might want to check your TWEWY Final Remix post which seems to suggest the end of the series despite the sequel having launched since
It's funny that the best Nintendo Switch RPG is a former PS exclusive.
Coming back here and - not saying its a bad compilation but some of those games are definitely not in the same category as Phantom Brave, Atelier Sophie and Grandia, all missing in action
from a review i saw i do not think dungeon encounters should be on this list it is a boring terrible game..
One of my main fav gaming genres which is served wonderfully well on the Switch. I have the vast majority of the games you have highlighted here. Xenoblade Chronicles Remastered 1 and XC3 the standouts for me.
cool list!
1) thank you for getting through a blurb about undertaile without mentioning Earthbound, even once 👍
2) RE: FF9 (but the sentiment is repeated here a number of times:
"...even if some elements of this game’s design have aged like milk."
OK im old. I've been playing games since NES, SNES was my first big hype system launch when i was 5. So maybe I'm a bit impervious to this kind of thing, but I see it ALL the time on this website and others.
my question is, WHAT elements have aged like milk? Is it the save points? the lack of voice acting? the cutscenes?
I feel like this slur is hurled at many of the games i love but its never expanded upon! Like, maybe the zoomers reading are all nodding in agreement, but I dont know what it means! help! 😆
ty! ✌️
The Switch is a beast! Absolutely no question about its wonderful library. My favorite systems in terms of RPGs in their library were the Snes and the Ps1 but it seems to me that most great rpgs from both systems are now available on the Switch (Super Mario RPG coming in November), so it's jus wonderful to have such a library available
Tried Chained Echoes but the overdrive meter mechanic, and that objectively awful noise it makes when it gets there (the beeping or whatever it is) turned me off from it.
@Bork same here. Broken to the point of being unplayable
Moero, Undertale and Earthlock have no place in this list, among others, for different reasons. Undertale is not even a traditional RPG by any definition.
Bravely Default 2 was so good, but I got stuck at a part long time ago and never went back. I should restart, and follow an optimization guide. I really enjoyed the combat, music and classes.
The story was a bit odd, did Seth ever find his way to his home? They dropped that story beat so fast
There's a big problem in this article. It says FFXII is NOT the best FF game. Surely it's just a typo though.
For fans of Persona 5 R, I can't recommend Persona 5 Strikers/Scramble enough! What I thought was going to be your typical Warriors spinoff with trashy OCs, a pointless plot, and ultimately repetitive combat is actually a fantastic sequel that more than makes a case for its existence. It's also on sale right now for under $20!
Man, I'm just loving Sea of Stars. I haven't played too many JRPGs, but I will definitely checking more of them out.
I love the innovations to the turn-based battles, like timing for attacks and defense, the way magic skills take input, etc. I really like how mp recharges when you attack, as it gives a nice flow to the battles.
The exploration is a lot of fun, too. Mixing in some light platforming and puzzling makes it great, and maybe the best of all, no random battles! It's so much better having the enemies on the map. I haven't played it, but I know Chrono Trigger does something similar, so that will be next on my list, I think.
Dragons Dogma 2 is still missing and maybe i missed it when i was scrolling through but it looks as though Witcher 3 is missing too?
Witcher 3 is the literal definition of a RPG game, one of the main aspects of Role playing games is having different choices to make as a player. No other game on this list has as many choices in game that has an impact on your playthrough.
There’s so many great RPGs on this list! Personally, I think Final Fantasy 6 and 8 deserve to be on here more than the other picks from the franchise, but to each their own.
Persona 5 isn't my favourite Persona game but its the one I will recommend the most because it is the easiest to get into
@Reztobi Did you read the introduction to the article? They explicitly mention Witcher 3 not being on the list because Nintendo Life has a separate list for the best action RPGs for the Switch, and this list is for traditional RPGs.
The Seiken Densetsu games are action RPGs and shouldn't be here if the Witcher can't be here. Undertale does not delight in letting players choose their path, it has three very basic rails. The game heavily implies that if you don't pick the pacifist route you'll be judged harshly - and then it effectively punishes you for taking that route because you have to play the game an extra time on the same route to get the true ending. A game with contempt for the player and their time shouldn't be here.
As expected, Blue Reflection: Second Light isn't on the list, even though it deserves to be and scored highly on this very site
Also why bother updating the list now? You should have waited for Sept 15th.
wink
I'm saying this now but for all I know the baten kaitos collection might turn out terrible in which case I'll just go and cry somewhere in a dark room for days and wait another 22 years for this series to get a chance.
I wouldn't call Jack Move a "must play." It's nice to look at, but it's pretty basic gameplay-wise and it's pretty short too. There are no additional party members just the one character, and combat pretty much boils down to matching the right color. It's not a bad game, I had fun with it, but must play? Hardly.
Still waiting on Phantasy Star Online 2 and Dragon Quest X in North America. That ship has sailed...........
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
That’s all I need to say.
Nice list but where is Octopath traveler (the first one)?
I feel like both Baten Kaitos games should be on this list.
@Ryan_Again lol no.
Unless you're trolling, in which case: well done.
If you haven’t played Persona 5 Royal, please do yourself a favor and pick it up. It’s an amazing game with fantastic story and characters, couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s a game that you’ll think about all the time and the soundtrack is glorious!
There are indeed FANTASTIC RPGs on Switch, very good ones. We can say this is the strongest point of Switch, actually.
However, this list is not that good. I would take away MANY weird games from here, and add some really MUST HAVE for any RPG fan, like Baten Kaitos 1&2, Grandia 1&2, Final Fantasy IV and VI, and Chrono Cross. I understand Witcher 3 and YsVIII and IX are not here because they are more action focus games, but those SHOULD be included.
I mean obviously I've got the profile pic and blah blah, but seriously guys seeing what more or less okay titles make it into this list, baten kaitos really deserves a spot.
I know the people here don't like it that much and wrote a questionable at best review about it but really, if stuff like Atelier whatever or Earthlock is in there, by all accounts and even on their own criterias BK should be there.
Also Chrono Cross? FF6?
Considering how an RPG series is literally my favourite piece of media ever created (Pokemon), I've played shockingly few in my lifetime honestly. I've dabbled in the Mario RPGs, had a great time with Miitopia and Octopath Traveler is my favourite game I'll probably never beat but other than those and Pokemon? I've been surprisingly scant in terms of my RPG back catalogue to put it mildly.
Definitely want to try and turn that around soon though: got Earthbound, Breath of Fire and Golden Sun on the agenda for next year through NSO and want to try and grab a couple of ones I've had my eye on for a while now as well (namely stuff like Coromon, Ys Origin/VIII and Baten Kaitos). I may be both a veteran and newbie to the genre at the same time but I'm excited to eventually step outside of my comfort zone and really sink my teeth into the genre as a whole.
My copy of Star Ocean 2 is in the mail right now! Played a little bit of the demo, know almost nothing about the game, but I'm pretty excited for it, especially considering it's out of stock almost everywhere...
Pretty solid list, but I feel like MH Stories 2, Ys VIII, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, Skyrim, The Witcher 3 CE, Ni No Kuni 2, Baten Kaitos I & II HD, DQ Monsters, Trials of Mana and Shining Resonance Refrain should be somewhere on it too. Also, why no mention of Fire Emblem games??
Tap here to load 190 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...